Lawmakers Say Loan Changes Tough on Black Students

WASHINGTON (AP) — Black lawmakers are urging President Barack Obama to do something about changes to a college loan program that they say make it tougher for students at historically black schools to finance their education.

Congressional Black Caucus members say the PLUS loan was the first topic discussed in their meeting with Obama on Tuesday.

The chair of the black caucus, Democratic congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio, says Obama has assured them that he would address their concerns.

The lawmakers say large numbers of previously eligible applicants are being denied loans under new rules determining creditworthiness for the higher-interest loans.